Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by Justin
- Ultex picks (Ultem/PEI) are stiff, ultra-durable, and produce a bright, crisp tone with excellent precision—ideal for solos, riffs, and aggressive playing.
- Nylon picks are flexible, forgiving, and produce a warm, smooth tone—perfect for strumming and beginners.
- If you want control, speed, and bite, choose Ultex. If you want comfort, strumming ease, and warmth, choose Nylon.
Ultex Guitar Picks
Ultex (Ultem/PEI) is a high-strength thermoplastic originally developed for aerospace applications. Today, it’s one of the most premium materials used for guitar picks.
- Material & Durability
- Extremely stiff and durable, keeping its shape even after heavy use.
- More durable than nylon and Delrin/Tortex.
- Resistant to wear, deformation, and string friction.
- Tone
- Produces a bright, crisp, and articulate sound.
- Adds extra clarity and “sparkle” to notes.
- Can produce some string noise if technique isn’t clean.
- Feel & Grip
- Smooth surface, sometimes with raised logos or grip patterns.
- May feel slippery with sweaty hands unless textured.
- Best For
- Fast alternate picking, shredding, complex riffs, and solos.
- Acoustic players wanting pronounced notes.
- Mandolin players who need stiffness and clarity.
Nylon Guitar Picks
Nylon picks have been around since the early 1960s (Herco, later Dunlop) and remain a staple among guitarists of all levels.
- Material & Durability
- Flexible thermoplastic, feels thinner than its gauge.
- Generally durable, but thin gauges may wear down or break.
- Sometimes blended with ceramic or fiberglass for strength.
- Tone
- Produces a warm, mellow, and smooth sound.
- Soft attack with little to no string noise.
- Favored for a vintage feel, especially in early rock, blues, and folk.
- Feel & Grip
- Naturally slippery, so most designs have textured grip patterns (bumps, dimples, raised lettering).
- Best For
- Strumming and rhythm playing, especially on acoustic.
- Beginners, thanks to their forgiving nature.
- Styles that benefit from a soft, warm attack (folk, flamenco, jazz).
Direct Comparison: Ultex vs Nylon
| Feature | Ultex Picks | Nylon Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Bright, clear, crisp; adds sparkle. May cause string noise. | Warm, mellow, smooth; little to no string noise. |
| Flexibility | Very stiff, least flexible of common materials. | Very flexible, feels thinner than gauge. |
| Durability | Extremely durable, holds shape under heavy use. | Durable, but thin gauges wear or snap more easily. |
| Grip | Smooth or lightly textured; can slip with sweat. | Naturally slippery but usually textured for grip. |
| Best For | Precision, solos, riffs, shredding, aggressive styles. | Strumming, acoustic, folk, jazz, beginners. |
Popular Ultex Picks
These are some of the most widely used Ultex picks among guitarists:
- Dunlop Ultex Standard – Classic shape with bright attack, available in multiple gauges.
- Dunlop Ultex Sharp – Pointed tip for maximum precision and speed.
- Dunlop Ultex Jazz III – A favorite for shredders; combines the Jazz III shape with Ultex stiffness.
- Dunlop Flow Ultex – Wide body and beveled edges for smooth, fast playing.
- Hetfield White Fang (Ultex Flow Custom) – James Hetfield’s signature pick, designed for metal and heavy rhythm.
Popular Nylon Picks
Nylon picks have been around since the 1960s and remain staples for strumming and rhythm:
- Dunlop Nylon Standard – Classic and affordable, with gauges from extra-light to heavy.
- Dunlop Nylon Max Grip – Textured surface with raised pattern for excellent grip.
- Herco Flex 75 – The original nylon pick, widely used in the 1960s and 70s, still popular today.
- Dunlop Jazz III (Nylon) – The original Jazz III design, made of nylon, preferred by legends like Eric Johnson.
- Jim Dunlop Primetone Nylon – Higher-end nylon option with beveled edges for smooth picking.
Which Should You Choose?
- Pick Ultex if you want:
- Maximum control, precision, and brightness.
- A pick that will last a very long time.
- To play fast riffs, leads, or aggressive styles.
- Pick Nylon if you want:
- Flexibility and comfort for strumming.
- A warm, smooth, forgiving tone.
- Something suitable for beginners or acoustic rhythm playing.
👉 Ultimately, it’s best to try both. Guitarists often switch between Ultex and Nylon depending on the guitar, genre, and playing style.
FAQ: Ultex vs Nylon Picks
Are Ultex picks good for beginners?
Not really—Ultex is stiff and unforgiving. Beginners often prefer Nylon for comfort and flexibility.
Do Ultex picks wear out?
Very slowly. Ultex is one of the most durable materials, holding shape far longer than nylon or celluloid.
Are Nylon picks bad for solos?
Not at all—but their flexibility can make fast alternate picking less precise. Heavy-gauge nylon picks work better for lead guitar.
Which sounds better, Ultex or Nylon?
It depends on style: Ultex emphasizes clarity and brightness, while Nylon emphasizes warmth and smoothness.
Why do pros use both?
Many guitarists keep multiple pick types. Ultex for solos and riffs, Nylon for strumming and rhythm—getting the best of both worlds.
Hey, fellow guitar mate! I’m Justin, I have been a professional guitarist since 2012. I have traveled the world playing on different stages alongside some of the best indie bands, at some of the biggest music festivals in the world. As a result, I’ve played lots of different guitar gear. Instead of keeping that knowledge to myself, I have set up this site to share my honest reviews of various guitar gear. But most notably, my love for guitar picks.